Machine for splitting soles



May 31, 193%. T. H. SEELY MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original FiledMarch 4, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet l Hn H L II l llllll IH Mam VE/VTUQ 6Sheets-Sheet 2 T. H. SEELY I MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original FiledMarch 4, 1935 ay 31, m3.

May 31, 1938.

T. H. 'SEELY MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original Filed March 4, 1955 6Sheets-Sheet 5 l rlllmllmlll L L 1 ll N EN g -2 Tu QMN A- .fr- WQIZZMIQMMH u M a a a a Q 31, 193. "r. H. SEELY 2,118,824

MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Original Filed March 4, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet4 31, 1938, T. H. SEELY MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 5Original Filed March 4, 1955 VE/V 70%? g vvi May 31, 1938. T. H.' SEELY2,11%24 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II ES Patented May 31, 1938 UNITED STATESPATENT MACHINE FOR SPLITTING SOLES Application March 4,

1935, Serial No. 9,247

Renewed July 13, 193-7 41 Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of shoes and is illustrated asembodied in a machine for splitting soles.

In the manufacture of shoes it is customary to cover the breast of aLouis heel attached to a shoe by a flap which is split from the rear endof the sole of the shoe. In the better grades of shoes the margin of theflap is thin and of uniform thickness in order to insure that when ithas been applied to a heel the lateral edges of the flap shall not benoticeable, the median portion of the flap being relatively thick toinsure that the flap has sufficient strength to withstand the wear towhich it is subjected and to fill up the slight concavity in the breastof the heel due to inturning the forwardly projecting margins of theside cover upon the lateral margins of the breast of the heel. Themarginal parts of the relatively thick median portion of the flap arebeveled and merge with the thin margin of the flap in order that thereshall not be a sudden break in the curvature of the breast of thecovered heel.

Diiiiculty has been experienced in splitting flaps having marginsrespectively, which are of uni form thickness. Moreover, it is desirablethat the relatively thick median portion of the flap shall terminate atapproximately the same distance from the top lifts of heels of variousheights and accordingly the length of the relatively thick medianportion of the flap should be readily increased or decreased dependingupon the heightwise dimension of the heel to which the flap is to beapplied.

With the foregoing and other considerations in View and in accordancewith one feature of this invention the illustrated machine is providedwith a support for a sole, a knife, mechanism for yieldingly supportingthe sole support, a presser member, and means for effecting relativemovement of the knife and the presser member on the one hand and thesole support on the other hand in a predetermined path to split thesole, said mechanism being constructed and arranged to cause the solesupport to be simultaneously and equally depressed throughout its extentwhile the flap is being split at an angle to said path under the actionof said presscr member against the sole mounted upon the supoprt.

In the illustrated machine the sole support is preferably tiltablymounted "upon a carrier which is constrained to yield as a unit at rightangles to the path of movement of a splitting knife adjustably securedto a carriage and mounted for reciprocation in a rectilinear path overthe support. The sole support is provided with a plurality of sharpteeth or prongs against which the sole is forced by a presser footpivotally secured to the carriage, the arrangement being such that thepresser foot after overriding the heel end of the sole impales the soleon. the teeth and depresses the sole support to the proper elevation inaccordance with the thickness of the flap. A matrix bar which is alsopivoted to the carriage, is positioned between the presser foot and theknife and cooperates with the support to distort the sole transverselyand progressively lengthwise. The sole-engaging face of the matrix baris sharply curved about an axis extending transversely of the path ofmovement of the knife and is located in close proximity to the cuttingedge of the knife thereby to force the sole against the supportimmediately ahead of the portion of the sole being split in ordereffectively to control the splitting out.

In order to vary the shape of the split flap the matrix bar is rotatableabout its axis, which is located close to the sole-engaging face of thebar, to cause different sole-engaging portions of the matrix bar toforce the sole against the support during different portions of thedragging stroke of the matrix bar over the sole. The presser foot isprovided with relatively large sole-engaging surfaces and exerts theforce necessary to impale the sole upon the teeth and to depress thesupport to its proper elevation. The matrix bar and the sole aresubstantially in line contact and if the presser foot were not providedthe matrix bar would be likely to exert sufficient pressure against thesole to cause the same to be marked as the matrix bar is dragged overthe sole.

The matrix bar and the presser upon their return stroke are swung awayfrom the knife to permit the flap to be readily removed from the machinewithout the danger of damaging the sole. Suitable provision is also madefor rotating the matrix bar in timed relation with the stroke of thematrix bar in accordance with the position at which the reenforcedmedian portion of the flap is to start.

The above machine quickly and effectively splits flaps having margins ofuniform thickness and may be readily adjusted to provide flaps havingmedian reenforced portions of various shapes.

These and other features of the invention, including certain details ofconstruction and combinations of parts will be described as embodied inan illustrated machine and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. l is a view showing one side of the illustrated machine;

Fig. 2 is a view showing the opposite side of the machine, portions ofwhich have been broken away;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the machine with portions of a sole-supportingtable broken away;

Fig. 4 shows a vertical section of the machine taken along line lIV-IVof Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail view showing the rear end of the sole support in alowered position;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a reciprocating carriage which carriesthe sole-splitting knife, the presser foot, and the matrix bar;

Fig. '7 is a cross-section of a portion of the lower half of the machinetaken along line VII-VII of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 shows a vertical section taken along line VIIIVIII of Fig. 3 ofthe machine;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the matrix bar of the machine;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing in detail the sole-engaging faceof the matrix bar;

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are illustrative views showing in section therelative positions of the sole clamping and the sole splitting membersduring three successive stages of the flap-splitting operation;

Fig. 14 is a detail plan View showing an abutment for positioning thesole upon the table;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XVXV of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a perspective View of a sole which has been split by theabove machine;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the rear end of a shoe after the flaphas been applied to the breast of a heel of the shoe and has had one ofits laterally projecting margins trimmed flush with a correspondingbreast edge of the heel; and

Fig. 19 is a detail view, partly in section, showing the connectionbetween an operating rod and a rotary segment plate.

The illustrated machine is described with reference to trimming aheel-breast covering flap 20 from a sole 22. As above stated, it isdesirable to provide a heel-breast covering flap 20, the margin 24(Figs. 16 and 17) of which is thin and of uniform thickness and themedian portion 26 of which is reinforced. After the flap 20 has beenapplied to the breast of a heel 28 attached to a shoe upper 30, thelateral margins of the same are trimmed flush with the respective breastedges 32 of the heel. Since the margin 24 of the flap 2!! is of uniformthickness and of suitable size to include the breast edges 32 of theheel, it will be noted that the edge of the trimmed flap is likewisethin. The median portion 26 of the flap 20 is of sufiicient thickness toinsure that the flap withstand the wear to which it is subjected in thefinished shoe, the margin of the median portion 26 of the flap taperingin thickness and merging with the thin margin 24 of the flap in orderthat there shall not be a sudden break in the curvature of the breast ofthe covered heel. The reinforced median portion 26 also serves to fillup the slight concavity in the breast of the heel caused by inturningthe forwardly projecting margins of the side cover upon the respectivemargins of the heel breast.

The thick median portion 26 of the flap 26 terminates substantially thesame distance from the end of the flap irrespective of the length of thesame. In certain types of shoe construction the lateral margins 34 ofthe base portion of the flap are increased in thickness in order thatthe flap shall be continuous with a channel leaf 36 which has beenpreviously split from the sole.

The sole to be operated upon is supported upon rasp-shaped teeth,projections, or prongs 38 extending from the upper surface of a table,plate, or support 40, and is split by a cutter or knife 42 provided witha straight cutting edge 44. A presser foot 46 and a matrix bar 48 aresecured to a swinging bracket 56 which is pivotally mounted upon acarriage 52 constructed and arranged for reciprocation over the table 40and lengthwise of a sole positioned upon the same. The presser foot 46is constructed and arranged to force the sole against the teeth 38 ofthe table 4!) and to depress the same, and the matrix bar 38 cooperateswith the table 40 to bend the sole transversely and progressivelylengthwise ahead of the knife 42 as the knife splits the same, therebyto provide the heel-breast covering flap 20.

The knife 62 is secured to the carriage 52 by screws 54 (Figs. 3 and 4)which, together with the knife, may be adjusted lengthwise relatively tothe carriage 52 within slots 56 respectively formed in the carriage. Thecarriage 52 comprises depending flanges provided with notches 58 (Fig.7) shaped and arranged for sliding movement upon guides 69 respectively,formed upon a base plate 62 of the machine. A gib 64 is adjustablysecured to one of the flanges of the carriage 52 in order to insure anaccurate sliding fit between the carriage 52 and the guides 66.

The carriage 52 is reciprocated along the guides 66 through theprovision of a connecting rod 66 the forward end of which is mountedupon a bearing pin 68 (Figs. 3 and 4). The bearing pin 68 is removablymounted in the carriage 52. The rear end of the connecting rod 66 ismounted upon a sleeve 10 (Figs. 1 and 19) surrounding a stud 12. Thelower end of the stud 12 is provided with a flange F4 shaped forengagement within a curved groove 16 of a rotary segment plate 18. Thetop of the stud I2 is threaded to receive a nut which may be turned toforce the sleeve 15 with looking pressure against the rotary segmentplate '18.

The rotary segment plate 18 carries a pawl 82 (Fig. l) which is normallyurged downwardly by a leaf spring 84. When the machine is at rest thepawl 82 is held in a raised position against the pressure of the spring84 by a cam 86 which forms part of a swinging unit 88 pivotally mountedupon a pin 90 supported by lugs of the base plate 62.

A spindle 92 which is formed integral with the segment plate 18 engageswithin a'bushing 95 inserted in a cylindrical bore 96 of the base plate62. The spindle 92 is held against lengthwise movement in the bore 96 bya cap 98 which is secured to the lower end of the spindle. A sleeve I69which is formed integral with a pinion I92 is rotatably mounted upon thebushing 94, the pinion being in meshing engagement with a worm I04formed upon a shaft I06 which is rotatably mounted in the base plate 62.The shaft I06 is rotated continuously by a pulley Hit. The sleeve I!!!)is provided with an upper flange H0 having three circumferentiallyspaced slots H2 formed therein.

A treadle (not shown) is connected through a cable H4 to 2. dependingarm N6 of the unit 88 which may be rocked against the pressure of aspring H? (Fig. 2) for setting the machine in operation and which, whenthe treadle is raised is moved by the spring I IT to the position shownin Figs. 1 and 2 thereby to bring the machine to a stop. The sleeve I iscontinuously rotated and when the unit 88 has been swung rearwardly thepawl 82 is no longer supported by the cam 86 and drops into one of theslots II2, thereby causing the sleeve I00 to drive the segment plate I6.So long as the treadle is depressed, the unit 88 is held in a rearwardposition and the machine will continue to operate. When the unit 88 isrocked to its forward position, however, the pawl 82 as it engages thecam 16 is raised out of the slot II2 of the sleeve I06. At the same timea slotted block H8 of the unit 88 is engaged by a depending pin I20 ofthe segment plate I8 to prevent further rotation of the plate. Thesegment plate '18 is thus held stationary until the unit 88 is againrocked to a rearward position.

Since it is desirable to obtain a flap 20 (Fig. 16), the margin 24 ofwhich is of uniform thickness, the table 40 is supported upon a carrieror table support I22 which is constrained for movement as a unit in apath disposed at right angles to the path of movement of the knife 42.The presser foot 46 has a front sole-engaging face I24 (Fig. 6) and rearsole-engaging faces I26 which are inclined to the front soleengagingface I24. The transverse elements of the faces I24, I26 are disposed inparallel relation to the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42. As abovestated, soles which are to be split are often of non-uniform thicknesswidthwise and to cause the sole to orient itself laterally during thesplitting operation the table is mounted upon a rib I28 (Figs. '7, 8 and15) formed upon the upper face of the carrier I 22 and extendinglengthwise of the same, the soleengaging faces I26 of the presser footserving to tilt the table transversely until the general plane of thegrain or upper side of the sole is arranged in parallel relation to thecutting edge of the knife. Transverse tilting movement of the table 40about the rib I28 is limited by inturned flanges I30 (Figs. '7 and 8) ofthe carrier 40. The table 40 is normally held in a balanced positionupon the rib I28, as illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 15 through theprovision of mechanism which will be described later. Although the table40 is illustrated as tiltable with respect to the carrier I22 it will beunderstood that the plate, if desirable, may be rigidly connected to orformed integral with the carrier.

The carrier I22 is supported by front and rear blocks I32. I34 (Figs. 2,3 and 4) which engage within slots I36, I38, respectively, formed in thelateral depending flanges of the carrier. The front and rear blocks I32,I34 are pivotally mounted upon cylindrical rods I40, I42, respectively,which fit within circular openings formed in spring housings I44 (Figs.3, 7 and 8) and also fit within cylindrical openings of levers I46, I46,respectively. The carrier I22 is normally held in a raised position byfour springs I50, the lower end of each of which is inserted in a wellI52 of the base plate 62. The spring housings I44 are provided withrecesses I54, each of which is constructed and arranged to receive theupper end of one of the springs I50. A reduced head of a screw I56extends through an opening formed in the housings I44 above each of therecesses I54. Each of the screws I56 is in threaded relation with asleeve I51 (Fig. 8) provided with a flange I59 which engages the upperend of a corresponding spring I50. The resistance of the springs I50 maybe readily equalized by adjusting the screws The levers I46, I48 areprovided with teeth I56, I60 respectively, which are in meshingengagement. The lever I 48 is pivotally mounted upon a pin I62 (Figs. 3and 4) which is secured to a lug I64 connected to the base plate 62 byone or more screws I66. The lever I46 is pivotally mounted upon a pinI68 (Figs. 4 and 8) which is in sliding engagement within a recess I ofa lug I12 secured to the base plate 62 by one or more screws I14. Withthe above arrangement it will be noted that as the springs I50 move thehousings I44 upwardly the rods I40, I42 are also raised and cause thetable carrier I22 to move upwardly. Since the rods I40, I42 fit Withincircular recesses of the respective levers I46, I48 which are gearedtogether, it will be clear that such rods are simultaneously raised andlowered equal distances. It will therefore be noted that when the table40 is rigidly connected to the carrier I22 as above suggested, thesole-engaging projections 36 of the table 40 which are includedsubstantially in a plane disposed in parallel arrangement to the path ofmovement of the knife 42, are constrained for translatory movement at anangle to said path as the table 40 is depressed. The plane of thesole-engaging projections 38 is therefore at all times disposed inparallel relation to the path of movement of the knife 42. For a givenposition of the carrier I22 upon the blocks I32, I34 it is desirable tolimit the upward movement of the sole-supporting table 40. With this inview, each of the spring housings I 44 is in threaded engagement with ascrew I16 (Figs. 3 and '7) the head of which engages within a notch I18formed in a corresponding lever I46, I48. When force is exerted againstthe sole by the presser foot 46 and the matrix bar 48, the table 40 andthe carrier I22 are depressed against the pressure of the springs I50.As soon as downward pressure against the table 40 is released, thecarrier I22 is raised under action of the springs I50 and theabove-described mechanism until it is stopped by engagement of thescrews I'l6 with the respective levers I46, I48.

The sole-splitting knife 42 which is mounted upon the carriage 52 has aconstant stroke and in order to vary the length of the flap 20 splitfrom the sole 22, the sole-supporting table 40 is initially adjusted toa predetermined position upon the carrier I22 lengthwise of the strokeof the knife. Adjustment of the table 40 relatively to the carrier I22may be readily effected through the provision of a crank I19 secured toa screw I80 which is in threaded relation with the forward end of thecarrier and the head of which is rotatably secured within a recess of adepending apron I82 secured by screws I84 to the table 40.

The sole 22 may be quickly positioned upon the table 40 by engaging therear end of the sole with a pair of abutments I86 which are pivotallysecured upon a pin I88 carried by the table. The abutments I86 arenormally yieldingly held in the raised illustrated position through theprovision of a spring rod I90, the central portion of which lies withina correspondingly shaped groove in a rearward extension of the abutmentsI86 and the ends of which are bent under the inturned flanges I30. Theabutments I86 are depressed below the teeth 38 of the table 40 at theproper time in order to insure that the abutments I66 shall not beengaged by the cutting edge I44 of the knife I42.

The heightwise projection of the abutments I86 above the table 40 isequal to about half the thickness of the sole. In order to insure thatthe cutting edge 44 of the knife42 shall not engage the .abutments I86the carriage 52 is provided with a pair of plows I92 which depress therespective abutments during portions of the stroke of the knife.

It will be noted that since the abutments I86 are mounted upon the pinI88 carried by the table, the spring I99 causes-the table 46 to returnto the horizontal or neutral position illustrated in Figs. '7, 8 and 15when work is removed from the machine. The table 40 is in engagementwith the upper surface of the rib I28 when the sole is removed from themachine but is otherwise spaced from the carrier I22 in order to permitthe table effectively to tilt about the rib for reasons above explained.

The'carrier I22 is normally forced rearwardly by a spring I94 (Figs. 2and 4) positioned within a cylinder I96 which is in threaded engagementwith a bracket I98. The bracket I98 is ad- J'ustably secured to thecarrier I22 through the provision of screws 29!! (Figs. 2, 3 and 4)which are in threaded engagement with the carrier and pass throughelongated slots 262 of the bracket. The forward end of the cylinder I96engages a cylindrical surface 294 (Fig. 4) of a spindle 266, a reducedshank portion of which is enclosed within the spring I94 and extendsthrough a knurled head 268 of the cylinder I96. The forward end of thespindle 266 engages a sleeve 2I9 (Figs. 3 and 4) which is freelyrotatable upon the pin I62. At the end of the spliting operation thespring I94 forces the carrier I22 rearwardly until a screw 2I2 (Figs. 2,3 and 5) which is adjustably secured to the bracket I98 engages anabutment face 2I4 of the base plate 62. As the table 48 moves rearwardlywith the carrier I22 it is lowered since the slots I35, I38 of thecarrier I22 are inclined approximately at 30 degrees to the upper faceof the table.

In order to adjust thecarrier I22 relatively to the bracket I98preparatory to setting up the machine or for accommodating a sole of athickness varying greatly from the soles being oper ated upon, theoperator after loosening the screws 206 turns a thrust screw ZIIi (Fig.4) which is in threaded engagement with the carrier and the head ofwhich engages the bracket, until the proper adjustment is effected. Asthe carrier I 22 is adjusted lengthwise relatively to the bracket I98 itis raised or lowered upon the blocks I32, I34, thereby changing thestarting elevated position of the table 46 in accordance with thethickness of the sole being operated upon. After the proper adjustmenthas been effected the screws 299 are again tightened. Since the table 49yields readily against the pressure of springs I56, it has been found byexperience that the carrier I22 need not be adjusted relatively to thebracket I98 for the ordinary run of soles.

The machine comes to a stop afterthe carriage 52 has moved slightlyforward from its retracted position, at which time the table 46 israised to the position illustrated in Fig. 4. The table 49 is raised tothe proper starting position by forcing the carrier I 22, together withthe bracket I98, forwardly of the machine, thereby causing the same tobe moved toward the path of movement of the knife since the slots I39,138 in which the respective blocks I32, I34 are mounted are inclinedupwardly and forwardly.

The table is forced forwardly andupwardly to its elevated startingposition by a cam face 2I8 of the segment plate "I8 which cam face,during the forward movement of the carriage52, is

in engagement with a cam roll 220 (Fig. 4)

.mounted upon a spindle 222 carried by the'bracket I98. During theforward movement of the knife 42, the cam face 2I8 is maintained-inengagement with the cam roll 22IIto insure that the carrier I22 ispositioned at a predetermined height vupon the'blocks 132,134 which, asabove described,'may be depressed againstthe-pressure of springs I50 bythe force of the presser foot '46 against the sole.

After the carriage 52 to which :thesplitting knife 42 is secured hascompleted its forward movement, the cam face 2I8-is moved out ofengagement with the roll 229 to permit the bracket I98 and the carrierI22 to be'forced rearwardly under pressure of the spring =I94untillimited by the abutment face 2 I4,'thereby'to' cause the table 40 todrop to a lowered'level. By-lowering the table during the rearwardmovement of the knife, clearance isprovidedbetween the knife and thesole.

The forward part of the face I24 (Fig. 6) of the presser foot '46overrides the rear end of the sole before the rear part of such faceengages the sole. When the presser foot 46, which is adjustably securedto the swinging bracket 50, engages the sole it is swung about a rod 224supported by the carriage 52 to cause the face I26 of the presser foot46 to impale thesole upon the teeth 38 of the table 40 and slightly todepress the table and the carrier I22 against the pressure of springsI50. The face I24 of the presser foot 46 when swung to an operativeposition is still inclined to the plane of the sole, at which time thefaces I26 of the presser foot are disposed in substantially parallelrelation to the general plane of the sole and the cutting edge 44 of theknife 42. The faces I 26 of the presser foot 46 are spaced by a groove226 (Fig. 6) which is slightly wider than the widest portion of a recess228 formed in the matrix bar 48. transverse elements of the faces I24,I26 of the presser foot 46 are disposed in parallel relation to thecutting edge 42 of the knife 44. As the presser foot 46 is forcedagainst the sole the table 40 tilts transversely about the rib I28 ifthe sole is of non-uniform thickness widthwise until the grain or upperside of the sole is substantially parallel to the cutting edge 44 oftheknife '42. 'By causing the presser foot 46 to force the sole into theteeth 38 before there is a force tending to'slide the sole lengthwise ofthe table 46, the sole is securely held against the operating pressureof the matrix bar 48 and the knife 42 during'the flap-splittingoperation.

The matrix bar 48 is provided with trunnions 236, 23I (Figs. 6 and'9).The trunnion 23I is of suitable shape to fit within an arcuate block 238which fits within a complementary shaped recess of the swinging bracket50.

The

The trunnion 230 is rotatably secured to a sleeve 232 which iscsegetherwith the screw, along a slot 244 (Fig. 3) in the direction indicated byarrow 246.

In order to vary the thickness of the flap 20 the swinging bracket 50which carries the presser foot 55 and the matrix bar 48 is adjustedtoward or away from the table if}. Such adjustment is effected byturning the rod 224 (Fig. 3) about trunnions 2&8 which are formedintegral with the rod and are arranged in eccentric relation withrespect to the rod. When the bearing rod 224 is turned about thetrunnions 2 33 the axis about which the bracket 50 is swung is raised orlowered. Adjustment of the bearing rod 224 about the trunnions 248 maybe readily effected by loosening a set-screw 256, which is in threadedrelation with the swinging bracket 5!] and is normally forced againstthe bearing rod 226, and then turning an arm 252 which is in threadedengagement with the bearing rod 224, about the axis of the trunnions24B. Accurate adjustment of the arm 252 may be carried out through theprovision of a screw 254 which is in threaded engagement with theswinging bracket 5i] and against the head of which the arm 252 rests.After the swinging bracket 50 has been properly adjusted, the set-screw250 is again forced into engagement with the bearing rod 224.

The operative surface of the matrix bar 48 comprises a cylindrical face256 curved about and equidistant from an axis 258 and also comprises therecesses 228, a leading portion 260 (Fig. 10) of which is of varyingwidth and depth in accordance with the desired shape of the reinforcedportion 26 of the flap 2!]. When the swinging bracket 58 has been movedto an operative position, a portion of the sole which is clamped betweenthe face 256 of the matrix bar 38 and the table 3!) is located adjacentto the cutting edge 44 of the knife 32, the sole thus being wellcontrolled as it is progressively engaged by the cutting edge. Thematrix bar 48 is rotated about the axis 258 as it is dragged overportions of the sole in order to cause difierent lengthwise portions ofthe recess 228 to be brought into engagement with the sole, thereby tovary the shape of the reenforced median portion 25 of the flap. Themechanism for rotating the matrix bar 38 about the axis 258 as it isdragged across the sole will be described later.

During the forward movement of the carriage the matrix bar 48 cooperateswith the table 40 to flex the sole transversely and progressivelylengthwise as it is presented to the knife 42. The knife 42 tendsslightly to suck up the sole from the table 48 as it splits the sole. Inorder further to insure that the median portion of the sole shall beraised when pressure against the same is relieved the line ofrasp-shaped teeth 262 of the table 40 are wider than the teeth 38.

The presser foot 46 is so adjusted heightwise upon the swinging bracket50 that when the swinging bracket is in a rearward position thesole-engaging faces I26 and the cylindrical soleengaging face 255 of thematrix bar 48 are positioned the same distance above the path ofmovement of the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42.

The sole-engaging faces I26 of the presser foot A6 are relatively largeand through the sole depress the table ii] to the proper elevation.There is substantially line contact between the matrix bar 48 and thesole and if the presser foot 46 were not provided, pressure exertedagainst the sole by the matrix bar would be so great that the grain sideof the split flap would probably be marked. The presser foot 46 does notinterfere with the operative effect of the matrix bar 58 since thecylindrical sole-engaging face 256 of the matrix bar during thesplitting operation is substantially in alinement with the faces MB ofthe presser foot, and the groove 226 of the presser foot 46 is ofsuitable dimensions so as not to interfere with the proper transverseflexing of the sole between the matrix bar 48 and the table 40.

It will be noted that the transverse shape of the flap presented to theknife depends upon the portion of the matrix bar e3 which opposes thetable All to clamp or bite the sole. In order to insure that the endportion of the flap 20 is of uniform thickness the matrix bar '38 isinitially swung to such a position (Fig. 11) as to force only thecylindrical sole-engaging face 256 against the sole as the knifeprogresses from the heel end of the sole to the beginning of thereenforced median portion. 26 of the flap 2B. As the knife progressesfrom line 2M to line 263 (Fig. i1-6) of the sole the matrix bar 48 isrotated at a uniform rate in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 12)about the axis 258 (Figs. 9 and 10) as it is dragged forwardly over thesole, thereby to form what is commonly referred to as the bullet part265 (Fig. 16) of the median portion 26 of the flap. The matrix bar 48ceases to rotate when a section 264 (Fig. 10) of the recess 228 is inengagement with the sole, to form as the matrix bar is dragged over thesole what is referred to as the cartridge part 267 of the median portion26 of the flap 20, which part is of uniform width. It will be understoodthat matrix bars not provided with recesses or having recesses,respectively, of varying shapes may be used in the machine in accordancewith the desired shape of the flap.

Rearward swinging movement of the bracket 50 is limited by engagement ofa rear surface 266 (Figs. 2 and 3) of the bracket with a face 268 of thecarriage 52, the swinging bracket being normally forced to a forwardposition with respect to the carriage 52 when the machine is in. anoperative position, through the provision of a springpressed plunger2711. Forward movement of the swinging bracket 59' under pressure of theplunger 216 is limited by a vertically disposed pin 272 (Figs. 2 and 6)carried by the carriage 52. The pin 2'52 may be raised against thepressure of a leaf spring 214 to swing the bracket 5 forwardly to asuitable position to expedite the removal of the matrix bar 48 from themachine.

As above stated, when the swinging bracket 50 is in its rearwardposition, the faces I26 of the presser foot 46 and the lowermost portionof the cylindrical surface 256 of the matrix bar 48 are positioned atsubstantially the same distance above the path of movement of thecutting edge M of the knife 42.

The radius of curvature of the cylindrical surface 256 of the matrix bar38 is reduced to a minimum in order that the portion of the sole clampedor bit between the matrix bar and the table 40' shall be located closeto the cutting edge 4 of the knife 32 and therefore give better controlof the trimming cut. The opening 216 (Fig. 11) formed between the knifei2 and the cylindrical surface 256 of the matrix bar it when the bracket50 has been swung to a rearward position, is of suitable width to insurethat the flap 2!! shall pass through the opening without anyinterference.

Just before the carrier 52 reaches the forward end of its stroke, thematrix bar 58 is swung to the position illustrated in Fig. 13 to cause awidened portion 218 (Figs. 9 and 10) of the recess 228 to engage thesole thereby to permit the marginal edges of the same to beprogressively raised with respect to the path of travel of the knife 42until they are elevated to a predetermined position. The recess portion218, it will be noted, is of sufficient width to receive theentire-width of the sole. By swinging the matrix bar as above describedthe lateral margins 34 (Fig. 16) of the base portion of the flap areincreased in thickness as they extend forwardly of the sole and mergewith the channel leaf 26 which has been previously formed on the sole.

As above explained the plows I92 depress the sole-positioning abutmentsI86 in order to insure that the knife 42 shall not engage the abutments.The plows I92 are provided with recesses 282 (Fig. 6) for receiving theknife. After the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42 has been sharpened theknife is clamped to the carriage 52 through the provision of the screws54, when the cutting edge of the knife has been moved into engagementwith the forward end of the respective recesses' 282.

The matrix bar 48 is turned about the axis 258 (Figs. 9 and 10) in timedrelation with the forward movement of the knife 42 by the followingmechanism. The sleeve 232 (Fig. 6) is operatively connected throughlinks 284, 285 (Figs. 1, 3- and 6) to an angular lever 286 pivotallymounted upon a rod 288 supported by the carriage 52. The lever 286carries a cam roll 290 (Fig. l) which, during forward movement of thecarriage 52, engages a cam 292 (Figs. 1 and 3) which may be adjustedlengthwise of the carrier I22. When the roll 290 is in engagement withthe lower roll engaging face 294 (Fig. 1) of the cam 292 only thecylindrical face 256 of the matrix bar 48 is in engagement with the soleas illustrated in Fig. 11. During this portion of travel of the carriage52 the end part of the flap, which is of uniform thickness, is formed.As the cam 290 rides up an inclined roll-engaging face 296 of the camtrack, the matrix bar 48 is turned about its axis 258 to cause theleading portion 260 of the recess 228 progressively to engage the sole;thereby to form the bullet part 265' (Fig. 16) of the median portion 26of the sole. The raised roll-engaging face 298 of the cam track isstraight and parallel to the path of movement of the knife 42 in orderto insure that the matrix bar 48 shall not rotate as the bar is draggedover the Work to form the cartridge part 261 of the reinforced medianportion 26 of the flap.

As above explained. it is desirable to have the channel leaf 36continuous with the margins 34 of the base portion ofthe flap in orderto improve the appearance of the shoe. In order to swing the matrix bar48 so as to bring the widened portion 218 of the recess 228 in. imposingrelation to the table a supplemental cam 309' (Figs. 1 and 3) havingroll-engaging surfaces 299 is provided, which cam is secured to thecarriage I22 by one or more pins 30l (Fig. 3).

Upon the return stroke of the carriage 52 the bracket is swung forwardlyabout the bearing rod 224 to cause the presser foot 46 and the matrixbar 48' to move away from the cutting edge 44 of the knife 42. Byswinging the matrix bar 48 away from the knife 42 upon the return strokeof the carriage 52 the flap 20 may be quickly removed from the machinewithout danger of damaging the same.

In order to vary the length of the cartridge part 261 of the reinforcedmedian portion 26 of the flap the cam track 282 may be initiallyadjusted lengthwise of'the table 40. Adjustment of the cam track 292. isquickly effected by providing the same with a plurality of notches 302(Figs. 1 and 3) any one of which may be moved.

into engagement with a retaining pin 304 by depressing the forward endof the cam track against the pressure of a leaf spring 306. The camtrack 292 is held in operative position during forward movement of thecarriage 52 by a supporting face ofthe carriage.

The presser foot 46 may be initially adjusted toward and away from thetable 40 relatively to the-swinging bracket 50 through the provision ofscrews 308 which are in threaded engagement with the bracket and passthrough elongated slots 3I0 of the presser foot. In order accurately toadjust the presser foot 46 relatively to the matrix bar 48 and to insurethat such adjustment shall not be disturbed, a thrust screw- 3I2 is inthreaded engagement with the swinging bracket 50 and has its head inengagement with the presser foot.

Friction within the mechanism for operating the matrix bar 48 issuflicient to insure that during the return stroke of the carriage 52,the matrix bar 48 is not moved about its axis of rotation 258. In orderto swing the matrix bar 48 about its axis 256. back to its startingposition, the. lever 286 is providedwith an abutment 314 which engagesthe base plate 62 of the machine just before the carriage 52 arrives atthe end of its return stroke.

In order to split the sole the operator adjusts the table 40forwardly orrearwardly of the machine relatively to the cutting stroke of the knife42. by turning the crank I19 in accordance with the length of the flapto be trimmed. The sole is then placed. grain side up, upon the table40, the end of the sole being in engagement with the abutments, I86. Theoperator then steps upon the treadle (not shown) thereby to permit. thepawl.82 (Fig. 1) to drop into one of the slots II2 of the continuouslyrotating flange IIO. As the segment plate 18 starts to rotate, thecarriage 52 moves forwardly of the machine. The table 40 is in a raisedposition when the knife is at rest. As the carriage 52 moves forwardly,the presser foot 46 overrides the sole and together with the matrix bar48 is swung about the bearingrod 224 relatively to the knife 22 to arearward operative position. By the time the matrix bar, 48has engagedthe sole the presser foot has moved the sole against the teeth 38 of thetable to prevent the sole from being pushed forwardly under pressure,and has depressed the table to its proper height. The presser foot 46also tilts the sole transversely in event that the same is ofnon-uniformthickness widthwise in order to insure that the grain side ofthe heel end of the sole is arranged substantially in parallel relationwith the path of movement of the cutting edge of the knife. As thematrix bar 48 is dragged over the sole upon the table 40 it cooperateswith the same to distort the sole transversely and progressivelylengthwise as the knife 42 splits the sole. When the carriage 52 hascompleted its forward movement and has started to move rearwardly thepresser foot 46 and the matrix bar 48 are swung away from the cuttingedge 44 of the knife 42" under action of the spring-pressed plunger 21!!and the table is moved to a lowered position under pressure of thesprings I94, After the operator removes his foot from the treadle thecarriage returns to and stops at the rear end of its stroke.

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a splitting machine, a knife, a support for a sole, mechanism foryieldingly supporting the sole support, a presser member, and means foreffecting relative movement of the knife and the presser member on theone hand and the sole support on the other hand in a predetermined pathto split the sole, said mechanism being constructed and arranged tocause the sole support to be simultaneously and equally depressedthroughout its extent while the sole is being split at an angle to saidpath under the action of said presser member against the sole mountedupon said support.

2. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, said supportcomprising a plurality of sole-engaging projections which are arrangedsubstantially in a plane, mechanism for supporting the support, a knife,a presser member, and means for effecting relative movement of thesupport on the one hand and the knife and the presser member on theother hand in a predetermined path to split a heel-breast covering flapfrom the rear end of the sole, said mechanism being constructed andarrangedto cause the soleengaging projections of the support to besimultaneously and equally depressed at an angle to said path under theaction of the presser member operating against the sole while the flapis being split from the sole.

3. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, said supportcomprising a plurality of sole-engaging projections which are arrangedsubstantially in a plane, a knife, a presser member, and means formoving the knife and presser member in a rectilinear path to split aheelbreast coveringfiap from the heel end of the sole, said mechanismbeing constructed and arranged to cause the sole-engaging projections ofthe support to be simultaneously and equally depressed at an angle tosaid path under the action of the presser member operating against thesole while the flap is being split from the sole.

4. In a splitting machine, a support provided with a plurality of sharpteeth constructed and arranged to be engaged by a sole, a knife having astraight cutting edge, a presser member con; structed and arrangedprogressively to force the heel end of the sole against said teeth, andmeans for moving the knife in a rectilinear path to split a heel-breastcovering flap progressively from the heel end of the sole which isprogressively forced against the teeth by the presser member, saidsupport being yieldable at right angles to the path of movement of theknife and constructed and arranged to maintain the soleengaging teeth insubstantially parallel arrangement with respect to the path of movementof the cutting edge of the knife as the support is moved toward and awayfrom the path of movement of the knife.

5. In a splitting machine, a support for a work piece, a splittingknife, a presser member, a matrix, and means for effecting relativemovement of the presser member, the matrixand knife on the one hand andthe support on the other hand to split a flap from the work piece.

6. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a work piece, asplitting knife movable in a predetermined path, a work-piece-engagingmember movable with the knife with relation to the support and alsomovable toward and away from the knife, a stop for limiting movement ofsaid member toward the knife, and means for normally urging said memberaway from the knife.

7. In a splitting machine, a knife, a yieldable work support for a workpiece, a presser member for progressively forcing the work piece againstthe support, and means for effecting relative movement of the knife andthe presser member on the one hand and the support on the other hand ina predetermined path progressively to split the work piece, said worksupport being constrained to yield a constant distance as a unit in apath disposed at an angle to the path of movement of the knife whenunder constant pressure of the presser member against the work pieceirrespective of the lengthwise portion of the support at which saidpressure is applied.

8. In a splitting machine, a table for supporting a sole, a cuttermovable in a predetermined path, mechanism for yieldingly supporting thetable, and means comprising a matrix member for progressively forcingthe sole against the table and for depressing the same against thepressure of said mechanism as the cutter splits the sole, said mechanismbeing constructed and arranged to cause portions of the table extendinglengthwise of said path to move equal distances toward and away from thepath of movement of said cutter.

9. In a splitting machine, a knife, a table for supporting a work piece,a carrier for the table, means for effecting relative movement of theknife and the carrier in a predetermined path, and means for moving thecarrier as a unit in a predetermined path toward and away from saidfirst-named path, said table being constructed and arranged to tiltrelatively to the carrier under pressure of the work piece.

' 10. In a splitting machine, a table for supporting a sole, a pressermember for forcing the sole against the table, and a knife provided witha strai ht cutting edge, said knife being movable lengthwise of the solein a predetermined path to split a heel-breast covering flap from theheel end of the sole, said table being constructed and arranged to tiltabout an axis lying approximately in a plane which is disposed at rightangles to the general plane of the sole and extends generally lengthwiseof and along the central portion of the sole.

11. In a splitting machine, a carrier, a work support mounted upon thecarrier, means for forcing a work piece against the support, a knifemovable in a rectilinear path and constructed and arranged to trail saidmeans for splitting the work piece, and mechanism constructed andarranged to cause the support to tilt transversely of the work piece andto maintain elements of the support which extend lengthwise of the pathof movement of the knife in parallel relation as the support is moved atright angles to said path by the work piece under pressure of saidmeans.

12. In a splitting machine, a sole-engaging member, a knife movable in apredetermined path, a carrier, a work support pivotally mounted upon thecarrier, said carrier being constrained for parallel movement as a unitin a path disposed at an angle to the path of movement of the knife andbeing yieldingly movable away from the path of movement of the knifeunder pressure of the sole-engaging member against the support, andmeans for initially moving the carrier to a raised position withrelation to the path of movement of the knife preparatory to splitting asole upon said member.

13. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a splittingknife, a matrix spaced from the knife, and means for effecting relativemovement of the matrix and the knife on the one hand and the support onthe other hand to split said sole forced by the matrix against thesupport to a predetermined shape, said matrix being mounted for movementas a unit relatively to the knife during said relative movement totransfer the matrix to a position adjacent to the cutting edge of theknife, said matrix also being mounted for rotation about an axis to movedifferent portions of the sole-engaging face of the matrix intoengagement with the sole during the splitting operation.

14. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a splittingknife provided with an elongated cutting edge, a presser foot, a matrixpositioned between the presser foot and. the knife, and means foreffecting relative movement of the presser foot, the matrix and theknife on the one hand and the support on the other hand to split fromthe sole a heel-breast covering flap of a predetermined shape, saidpresser foot and said matrix being mounted for movement toward thesupport and toward the cutting edge of the knife during a portion ofsaid relative movement thereby to force the sole against the support andto present the sole in a predetermined heightwise position to saidcutting edge.

15. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a work piece, asplitting knife provided with a straight cutting edge, a presser foot,2, matrix positioned between the presser foot and the knife, and meansfor moving the knife, the matrix and. the presser foot relatively to thesupport in a predetermined path to split said work piece to apredetermined shape, said presser foot and said matrix being mounted formovement toward the support during a portion of the movement of saidknife in said path thereby to force the sole against the yieldablesupport and to present the sole in a predetermined heightwise positionrelatively to the cutting edge of the knife.

16. In a splitting machine, a support for a sole, an abutment pivotallymounted upon the support, resilient means for urging the abutment beyondthe sole-engaging portion of the support to position the sole upon thesupport, a presser member, a knife, means for effecting relativemovement of the presser member and the knife on the one hand and thesupport on the other hand in a predetermined path to split the sole, andmechanism for swinging the abutment with reference to the supportagainst the action of said resilient means during a portion of saidrelative movement to insure that the knife and the abutment shall notengage each other.

17. In a splitting machine, a support for a sole, sole-positioningabutments projecting from the support, a presser member, a splittingknife, means for moving the knife in a predetermined path past thesupport to split a heel-breast covering flap from the sole, andmechanism operated in timed relation with the knife to move theabutments away from the path of movement of the knife thereby to insurethat the knife shall not engage the abutments.

18. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a splittingknife, a matrix bar provided with a sole engaging face having a recessformed therein, and means for moving the matrix bar and the knife inpredetermined paths relatively to the support to cause the face ofthebar to be dragged over and to exert considerable pressure against thesole upon the support whereby to split from the sole a heel breastcovering flap having a relatively thick reinforced portion extendinglengthwise of the sole.

19. In a splitting machine, a yieldable table for supporting a sole, asplitting knife, a bar provided with a sharply curved sole-engaging faceincluding a recess, means for effecting relative movement of the knifeand bar on the one hand and the table on the other hand to split thesole, and means for causing the bar to force different portions of saidface and said recess with dragging action against different lengthwiseportions respectively of the sole during the relative movement of theknife and the table and to cooperate with the table in bending the soletransversely thereby to split from the sole a flap portions of which arereenforced.

20. In a splitting machine, a yieldable table for supporting a sole, aknife, a matrix bar provided with a sole engaging face including arecess of varying width, means for moving the matrix bar: and the knifein predetermined paths with relation to the support to cause the face ofthe bar to be dragged'over and to exert considerable pressure againstthe sole upon the table whereby to split fromthe sole a heel breastcovering flap having a relatively thick reinforced portion extendinglengthwise of the sole, and means for rotating the matrix bar during itsmovement lengthwise of the sole to cause different lengthwise portionsof the recess to engage different lengthwise portions of the solewhereby to vary the width of the reinforced part of the flap inaccordance with the width of the recess.

21; In a splitting-machine, a yieldable support, a knife movable in apredetermined path relatively to the support, a matrix bar movable withthe knife and positioned in front of the cutting edge of the same, and apresser foot movable with the knife and positioned ahead of the matrixbar, said presser foot being constructed and arranged to force the soleagainst the support thereby to cause the support to yield transverselyof said path of movement of the knife and the matrix bar beingconstructed and arranged to cooperate with the table progressively todistort the sole ahead of the knife in order to shape the sole toreceive the splitting cut.

22. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support, a knife movable pastthe support, a matrix bar movable with the knife and leading the cuttingedge of the same, and a presser foot movable with the knife and leadingthe matrix bar, said presser foot being mounted for swinging movementrelatively to the knife to permit the presser foot to override the solebefore forcing the same against the support, said matrix bar beingconstructed and arranged to cooperate with the support progressively todistort the sole as the same is presented to the cutting edge of theknife.

23. In a splitting machine, a yieldable sup port, a knife movable pastthe support, a matrix bar movable with the knife and positioned inadvance of the cutting edge of the same, and a presser member movablewith the knife, said presser member being mounted for swinging movementrelatively to the knife to permit the presser member to override thesole and then to force the same against the support, said matrix barbeing constructed and arranged to cooperate with the table progressivelyto distort the sole in advance of the knife thereby to cause the same tosplit the sole to a predetermined shape.

24. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, means forraising the support to apredetermined position, a knife movable in apredetermined path past the support to split the sole, a matrixmemberconstructed and arranged to cooperate with the supportprogressively to distort the sole immediately ahead of the knife, and apresser foot mounted for movement past the support in advance of thematrix member and constructed and arranged to force the sole against thesupport with considerable pressure thereby to move the sole transverselyof the path of movement of the knife.

25. In a splitting machine, a carrier, a solesupporting table mountedupon the carrier, a knife movable in a predetermined path over the tableto split a sole positioned upon the table, said carrier beingconstructed and arranged yieldingly to move as a unit at an angle tosaid path and said table being constructed and arranged to tilt upon thecarrier, a presser foot constructed and arranged to engage the marginalportions of the sole ahead of the knife to depress the table and thecarrier, and a matrix bar for cooperating with the table progressivelyto distort the sole laterally as the knife splits the sole lengthwise.

26. In a splitting machine, a support for a work piece, a knife providedwith an elongated cutting edge, a matrix bar positioned adjacent to thecutting edge of the knife, means for moving the knife and the matrix barin predetermined paths, said matrix bar having a face which is sharplycurved about an axis extending transversely of said paths and includes arecess, and means for swinging the matrix bar about said axis inaccordance with the portion of the face which is to cooperate with thesupport progressively to bite and to distort the work piece ahead of theknife as the knife splits the same.

27. In a splitting machine, a support for a sole, a knife provided witha straight cutting edge, a matrix bar-movable relatively to said cuttingedge, mechanism for normally urging the matrix bar away from the cuttingedge of the knife to provide an opening of substantial width, means formoving the knife and the matrix bar in a predetermined path past thesupport, said matrix bar being provided with a face which is curvedabout an axis extending transversely of said path, the matrix bar beingmovable against the pressure of said mechanism to a position in closeproximity to the cutting edge of the knife as it moves in said path, andmeans for swinging the matrix bar about said axis in accordance with theportion of the face of the matrix bar which is to cooperate with thesupport progressively to bite the sole and to flex the same topredetermined shapes immediately ahead of the knife.

28. In a splitting machine, a support provided with teeth, a matrixmember movable in a predetermined path relatively to the support andhaving a face constructed and arranged progressively to force a soleagainst said teeth, a knife movable with the matrix member along saidpath, means for operating the knife and the matrix member along saidpath to split a sole distorted by the support and said member, and meansfor swinging the matrix member relatively to the knife about a pair ofspaced axes which are arranged in parallel relation during the travel ofthe knife.

29. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a work piece, amatrix bar, a splitting knife having a, cutting edge, means for movingthe matrix bar and the knife in a predetermined path past the support,said matrix bar having a workpiece-engaging face which is sharply curvedabout an axis extending transversely of said path and is located inclose proximity to the cutting edge of the knife, and means including acam for turning the matrix bar about said axis as it drags over the workpiece, said cam being adjustable relatively to the support in accordancewith the desired shape of the flap.

30. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support for a sole, a knife, amember for forcing the sole against the support, and means for effectingmovement of the knife and the member in predetermined pathsrespectively, said member being mounted for swinging movement about apair of spaced axes as it travels in said path.

31. In a splitting machine, a yieldable support, a knife having anelongated cutting edge, a soleengaging member, means for moving theknife and the member in predetermined paths respectively, means forcausing said member to swing as a unit about one axis relatively to theknife during a portion of its travel in said path, and means forrotating the member about another axis during another portion of thetravel of said member in said path.

32. In a splitting machine, a support for a work piece, a knife providedwith a straight cutting edge, a presser member, and means for causingthe knife and the presser member to move in predetermined pathsrespectively past the support, said presser member being mounted forswinging movement toward and away from the knife and being provided withaface which is inclined to said paths and a pair of spaced soleengagingfaces which when in operative position are arranged in parallel relationto the cutting edge of the knife.

33. In a sole-splitting machine, a tiltable work table, a splittingknife movable in a predetermined path, an abutment pivotally secured tothe table and constructed and arranged to position a sole upon thetable, means for operating the abutment relatively to the table to avoidinterference of the abutment with the knife, and resilient means formoving the abutment into operative position and for maintaining thetable in a predetermined position with respect to the path of movementof the knife.

34. In a sole-splitting machine, a tiltable work table, a splittingknife movable in a predetermined path, a sole-positioning abutmentpivotally secured to the table, and a spring constructed and arranged tomove the abutment into operating position with respect to the table andto tilt the table in predetermined relation with respect to the path ofmovement of the knife.

35. In a splitting machine, a knife, a presser member, a table forsupporting a work piece, a carrier for the table, means for effectingrelative movement of. the knife and presser member on the one hand andthe carrier on the other hand in a predetermined path, the carrier beingconstructed and arranged to yield parallel to itself at an angle to saidpath and the table being constructed and arranged to tilt transverselyof said path under the force of said presser member.

36. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support fora work piece, a knife, a presser member, a matrix, and means forefiecting relative movement of the support on the one hand and thepresser member, the matrix and the knife on the other hand to split aflap of predetermined shape from the work piece, said presser member andsaid matrix being mounted for movement toward the support and the knifeduring a portion of. said relative movement to force the work pieceagainst the support and to locate the work piece in a predeterminedposition.

'37. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable supportcomprising a plurality of sharp prongs constructed and arranged to beengaged by a work piece, a knife, a presser member, a matrix, and meansfor moving the knife, the press'er member and the matrix over thesupport to split a flap from said work piece, said presser member andsaid matrix being mounted for movement toward the support and the knifeduring a portion of their movement over the support. 7

38. A splitting machine having, in combination, a 'yieldable support fora work piece, a knife, a matrix spaced from the knife, and means foreffecting relative movement of the support on the one hand and thematrix and the knife on the other hand to split said work piece, said 7matrix being mounted for movement as a unit with reference to the knifeduring said relative movement to transfer the matrix to a positionadjacent to the cutting edge of the knife, said matrix also beingmounted for rotation about an axis to move differently shaped portionsof the matrix into their respective operative positions during saidrelative movement.

39. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable supportprovided with a plurality of sharp prongs arranged to be engaged by awork piece, a knife movable over the support in a predetermined path,'means comprising a matrix bar movable over the support with the knife,said means being mounted for swinging movement with relation'to theknife during its movement over the support to force the work pieceagainst said prongs with sufficient pressure to depress the support,said means and said support being constructed and arranged to flex thesole progressively in advance of the cutting edge of the knife, andmeans for moving the matrix bar into different angular positions as itis moved over the support.

40. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable support fora work piece, a carriage mounted for reciprocation in a predeterminedpath over the support, a. knife rigidly secured to the carriage, abracket pivotally mounted upon the carriage, a matrix mounted forrotation in the bracket, means for rotating the matrix into differentadjusted positions during its movement with the carriage in onedirection over the support, means for moving the support away from thecarriage after said carriage has completed its movement in said onedirection, and means for swinging the matrix away from the cutting edgeof the knife during the movement of the carriage in an oppositedirection in said path.

41. A splitting machine having, in combination, a yieldable supportcomprising a plurality of sharp prongs arranged to be engaged by a Workpiece, a carriage mounted for reciprocation in a predetermined path overthe support, a knife rigidly secured to the carriage, a bracketpivotally mounted upon the carriage, a matrix mounted for rotation inthe bracket, a plurality of. cams, mechanism movable with the carriageand constructed and arranged to be operated by one or more of said camsand to rotate the matrix into diiferent adjusted positions duringmovement of the carriage in one direction over the support, and meansfor moving one of the cams into different adjusted positions.

THOMAS H. SEELY.

